Trying to go green can be challenging. It’s okay to admit that we’ve all gotten used to our luxuries. Disposable everything is just so much better than doing dishes. Unfortunately, our plastic consumption is getting out of hand and it’s hurting our environment. It’s our duty to protect our planet. After all, it’s the only one we’ve got. How many of you can think of a few everyday essentials and not picture a non-plastic version? We thought it’d be interesting to take a look at some everyday essential items that you can actually find plastic free! Making these small changes in your everyday life will make a bigger impact than you may realize.
Buy Food from Bulk Bins.
It may have seemed unavoidable to hit the grocery store without purchasing food in a plastic container. Well, you’re wrong. You can bring your own containers from home and shop from bulk bins. Sure, you won’t be able to find everything you need, but it’s a major step towards reducing plastic use. This is a great way to purchase your nuts, grains, powdered items, and more. Just be sure the store you’re shopping from has a method for deducting the weight of your container. You definitely don’t want to pay for more than you’re purchasing.
Brush with Toothpaste Bites.
Yes, that’s right. There’s toothpaste that comes in the form of tablets. These vegan tabs come in a glass container. When you chew on them, they quickly foam up, just like your regular toothpaste would. By the way, while we’re on the topic of brushing your teeth, have you ever thought a toothbrush could be made with anything other than plastic? It’s recommended that you swap out your toothbrush every three months. If you do this, or even if you stretch the use out a bit, that’s still a lot of plastic per family per year that’s going right in the trash. Instead, opt for a wooden toothbrush. They’re really nice and natural looking and environmentally friendly.
Solid Body Wash
Your shampoo, conditioner, body wash/gel most likely all come in plastic bottles. A lot of these are not easily reusable, and even if they are, most brands don’t have plastic-free refills, anyway. Opt for a solid body wash. There are also container free shampoo and conditioner bubbles that you can use. Not only is it a great way to go green with your bathroom routine, but they’re really fun looking novelty items as well!
Metal or Paper utensils at work.
Even if you don’t bring your own lunch to work or school every day, consider keeping a metal knife, fork, and spoon in your desk or bag. Currently, there are paper straws or metal straws to replace plastic straws. Take it a step further and take a reusable BPA free bottle for water and glass mug for your coffee. Anytime you’re ready for a bite, use and wash your utensils from home. A little goes a long way here. Think about this: If you use a single plastic disposable utensil each day, that’s 365 pieces per year just from you alone. Imagine how many plastic utensils we toss as a country, as a world?
There are a ton of great small steps you can take in your daily life to affect a chance in the world. Shopping from bulk bins, switching out some bathroom products, and keeping essential utensils in your desk are things that you would barely be inconvenienced by and honestly, you’re going to absolutely love the way you feel about yourself. We hope you’ve learned a few easy tips here that you’ll make a part of your go green efforts. If you have any additional tips or plastic-free everyday alternatives to suggest, we’d love to hear!
